Panthic conferences were held in the United States and Canada last week. In both the forums a wide cross-section of the community asserted itself in sending a forceful message of concern about the situation in Punjab and the future of the Sikhs. There are those who say that the statements, which the Indian Govt regards as seditious, create problems for Sikhs in India. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

It is obvious that the community has conveyed its disgust with India’s handling of Punjab and the way it is repressing Sikhs and Muslims in particular. What is to be especially noted in such meetings is that a diversity of Sikhs unites in their concern over the situation and in a broad meeting of minds voice the way they would like the Sikh nation to go.

Sceptics and cynics have always centered on the divisions among the Sikhs’ and have managed to convince some in the community that they can never unite, and would thus not be able to govern themselves. Sikhs had an independent kingdom which was the last to be annexed by the British, and that too thanks to the betrayal of Dogra ministers. Earlier, the 13 Mile’s ruled over an area far more extensive than the northern India of today, all owing allegiance to the Akal Takht in Amritsar.

What these cynics and detractors of Sikhs do not recognize is that the community is united in its actions by and large, especially where the common destiny is concerned. Only a fool or a stone blind person will not see the sacrifice of thousands upon thousands for what it means. If we were not united, the struggle for Khalistan rather than getting intensified would have died long ago. The Gurus built democratic institutions where all are free to participate and voice their opinions. We are not living in ordinary times and the debate often gets heated and angry. We all want the same thing and are working in our own ways to get it.

The events of 1984 were catalytic for the community and the World Sikh Convention at the Madison Square Garden that year saw an emotional reaction to the attack on the holiest of holies the Harminder Sahib.

Over the years the community has got more organized at all levels and we have seen a proliferation of organizations and groups which have in their own way and according to the perceptions of the people running them, have contributed in bringing greater awareness to the politicians, newsmen, religious leaders and local people in general, about the persecution of the Sikhs and the situation in Punjab. This had resulted in an increasing awareness of the truth and an increasing Congressional awareness, which in turn has had a very positive effect on alleviation the misery of the people in Punjab.

It is often asked, “What do you achieve by these conferences and the reports published in the WSN?” The answer is simple, we shed light on events which the rulers want to brush under the carpet, we force them to be accountable for their atrocities, and we send a message that the world is watching. It was no coincidence that the political detainees, who should be more properly called political hostages, detained for more than five years without any charges against them, were released on the eve of the Congressional hearings on the allegations of human right violations in the Punjab. More illustrations could be cited, but our point is clear.

Our enemies have endeavored, with some degree of ‘success to hit at our very self-image. They say we can’t unite, are too disunited and are not ready to rule. We say we need not speak with one voice that would only be a false unity, let there be as many voices as there are Sikhs. The message to India and world is clear, the Indian politicians have treated us shabbily and this injustice will no longer be tolerated.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 9, 1990